Tuesday, March 13, 2018

A Constructive Activity on a Snow Day

Another nor'easter rages today in the northeast. Weather forecasters predict 15-20 inches of snow in my region. Many people are not working today. What can and should you with your time if you have some free time? Besides shoveling the driveway, catching up on email, or taking a nap, you might consider learning something new. Researchers have demonstrated that novelty stimulates the brain. Moreover, innovative solutions often arise when people make connections between seemingly disparate concepts. Therefore, think about reading a book about something outside of your domain of expertise. Perhaps find a good documentary that intrigues you. Play a game that you have never played before with your kids. You may just ignite a creative spark by exposing yourself to a novel experience.

Michael Roberto

The Great Courses

About Me

I am the Trustee Professor of Management at Bryant University in Smithfield, RI. I joined the faculty after serving for six years on the faculty at Harvard Business School.

My research, teaching, and consulting focuses on leadership, with a particular emphasis on decision-making and teams. I have published two books based upon my research: Why Great Leaders Don't Take Yes For An Answer (2nd edition to be released in May 2013), and Know What You Don't Know (2009).